Skin allergy flares up again; pay attention to these 4 acupoints.
Sensitive skin is becoming increasingly common in Hong Kong, affecting 2 out of 10 infants and young children. While there is currently no cure, avoiding triggers can help control and alleviate symptoms. It's important to note that the triggers for sensitive skin vary from person to person, resulting in different effects.
Four Major Triggers for Sensitive Skin:
Dry skin refers to skin lacking sufficient moisture to maintain its suppleness. It becomes rough, may itch, peel, or appear scaly, and may even bleed, weakening the skin's barrier function. The skin barrier, the outermost layer of skin, retains moisture and prevents the invasion of bacteria, viruses, allergens, and other harmful substances. When the skin barrier is damaged and unable to retain moisture, bacteria and other substances can more easily enter the body, triggering sensitive skin.
There are many reasons for dry skin. For example, people frequently exposed to dry environments (low humidity, excessive air conditioning, proximity to fireplaces or heaters), or those who bathe frequently or drink excessively, are prone to dry skin. Skin sensitivity issues may worsen in the dry winter air.
Sweat is mainly composed of water, urea, lactate, and minerals. The accumulation of these chemicals on the skin can trigger skin sensitivity in some people, especially in areas where sweating is most profuse. Studies have found that the sweat of people with sensitive skin contains significantly lower levels of certain substances, meaning it contains fewer natural moisturizing and antibacterial properties, leading to drier skin and a higher likelihood of skin infections.
Furthermore, high temperatures can stimulate vasodilation to help cool the body, triggering inflammation and causing itching, thus exacerbating allergy symptoms. According to a 2020 study, approximately 24% of participants reported that weather changes, dry air, and high temperatures caused symptoms.
Four Major Triggers for Sensitive Skin:
1. Dry Skin
Dry skin doesn't cause allergies, but it can trigger symptoms in people at high risk of developing sensitive skin. Dry skin is often the first sign of a sensitive skin flare-up.Dry skin refers to skin lacking sufficient moisture to maintain its suppleness. It becomes rough, may itch, peel, or appear scaly, and may even bleed, weakening the skin's barrier function. The skin barrier, the outermost layer of skin, retains moisture and prevents the invasion of bacteria, viruses, allergens, and other harmful substances. When the skin barrier is damaged and unable to retain moisture, bacteria and other substances can more easily enter the body, triggering sensitive skin.
There are many reasons for dry skin. For example, people frequently exposed to dry environments (low humidity, excessive air conditioning, proximity to fireplaces or heaters), or those who bathe frequently or drink excessively, are prone to dry skin. Skin sensitivity issues may worsen in the dry winter air.
2. Heat and Sweat
Heat and sweat are common triggers for sensitive skin. High temperatures and excessive sweating are both detrimental to sensitive skin. While the body secretes sweat to regulate temperature in hot environments, and sweat has natural moisturizing properties for most people, for those with sensitive skin, sweat can irritate their sensitive skin and make it even drier. The sodium in sweat can also increase itching and stinging sensations.Sweat is mainly composed of water, urea, lactate, and minerals. The accumulation of these chemicals on the skin can trigger skin sensitivity in some people, especially in areas where sweating is most profuse. Studies have found that the sweat of people with sensitive skin contains significantly lower levels of certain substances, meaning it contains fewer natural moisturizing and antibacterial properties, leading to drier skin and a higher likelihood of skin infections.
Furthermore, high temperatures can stimulate vasodilation to help cool the body, triggering inflammation and causing itching, thus exacerbating allergy symptoms. According to a 2020 study, approximately 24% of participants reported that weather changes, dry air, and high temperatures caused symptoms.
3. Contact with Irritants
People with sensitive skin often have sensitive skin. Everyday household products and even natural substances can cause burning and itching, or dryness and redness, in people with sensitive skin.Potential allergens may include hand sanitizers, dish soaps, laundry detergents, cleaning agents, disinfectants, shampoos, shower gels, perfumes, or other items with added fragrances. Even some natural liquids, such as the juice of fresh fruits, vegetables, or meats, can irritate the skin when in contact with people with sensitive skin.
In addition, saliva produced when infants drool can irritate their cheeks, chin, and neck.
4. Contact with Allergens
A healthy skin barrier can resist allergen stimulation. If the skin barrier is damaged, allergens can invade and trigger allergy symptoms. Environmental allergens such as cigarette smoke, cockroaches, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, insect bites, and bee stings can all trigger different skin allergy reactions.Food allergies are also a triggering factor. Studies have found that children with moderate to severe skin allergies are 2-4 times more likely to experience food allergies than normal children. Common high-risk allergenic foods include shellfish, seafood, eggs, milk, fish, soy, peanuts, and nuts. Eating allergenic foods can trigger or worsen skin allergy problems.
Experts believe that food allergies do not cause skin allergies, but they can trigger symptoms and worsen the condition in people with sensitive skin. In addition, since the skin barrier of people with sensitive skin is already damaged, using moisturizers containing allergenic food ingredients, such as oatmeal, goat milk, and almond oil, may allow allergens to penetrate deep into the skin and trigger skin sensitivity problems.
References:
https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13981
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2020.06.014
